Group Calls for Sanctions Against Wike Over Alleged Threat to Destabilize PDP-Controlled States

A political group is urging sanctions against Wike, accusing him of attempting to destabilize states governed by the PDP, raising concerns over internal party stability.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT. This was prompted by his alleged threat to disrupt peace in PDP governed states. A coalition comprised of youth organizations dedicated to promoting democratic governance has voiced their endorsement for this action.

The group emphasized that the former Rivers State governor should face disciplinary action from PDP due to his blatant display of anti-party behavior, stating that it is long overdue.

The group issued a statement on Tuesday condemning Wike’s threat to stir up political turmoil in states governed by PDP and his demand for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take over the party structure. They assert that Wike’s actions are excessively hostile towards their own party.

The Director-General, Mohammed Abubakar Jibo, released a statement in Abuja on Tuesday stating that the PDP should take stronger action than simply summoning the FCT Minister to their disciplinary committee. Specifically, they suggested either suspending or expelling him entirely from the opposition party. This information was made available to journalists via this signed statement.

The group deems it necessary due to Wike’s various acts against the party, such as openly opposing PDP during the 2023 presidential election. These actions allegedly contributed to Atiku Abubakar’s loss in that same election.

The group acknowledged that Wike’s criticism of PDP governors was rash and lacking in proper decorum. However, they maintained that the resolution made by the PDP Governors’ Forum during their meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was entirely justifiable.

According to the group, there was no issue with the governor seeking guidance from PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and assuming leadership of his state’s party; therefore, Wike’s threat to incite conflict within their respective states’ PDP chapters was unwarranted.

The coalition of youth organizations advocating for democracy, good governance and accountability have taken note of the recent threats made by FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike. The minister has threatened to instigate political crises in PDP-managed states due to the resolution passed by the PDP Governors’ Forum endorsing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement as leader of Rivers States’ chapter.

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Undeniably, Wike’s remark is nothing but irresponsible and inappropriate. Especially as he has greatly profited from PDP- a party that he openly opposed in the 2023 presidential election by supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC. We firmly believe there couldn’t be any conduct more hostile to one’s own political party than this action taken by him.

The statement asserts that due to the former Rivers governor’s previous anti-party actions, we support his summons before the PDP Disciplinary Committee and urge the party’s National Working Committee to quickly discipline Wike by suspending or expelling him from PDP. This is crucial in preventing any additional damage he may cause to our organization prior to the 2027 national election.

According to the statement, not only does the FCT Minister’s ultimatum endanger PDP’s cohesion on a national level, it also jeopardizes Nigeria’s overall peace and stability. The founders of the opposition party did not intend for any member within its ranks to utilize it as a means of manipulation.

The group believes that no individual, regardless of their status, can compare to the size and importance of PDP as a political party.

Our conviction is firm that the originators of our party never envisioned it as a means for any PDP member’s manipulative actions. It must be stated with confidence that Wike has gone too far with his behaviors, and this cannot persist indefinitely.

The group praised the PDP Governors’ Forum for its efforts to reinstate control of the party structure in Rivers State back to Governor Wike. They also clarified that those who supported and helped elect him as governor from 2015-2023 did not seize power over the party’s leadership, but rather allowed him to take on this role within the state.

The group cautioned the FCT Minister against taking any actions that could disrupt peace in Bauchi State, stating it as the most peaceful state in the entire North-East zone.

Over the past five years, under Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership, the PDP administration in Bauchi State has made considerable efforts to sustain peace and security while promoting development. Individuals such as Wike are not welcome in Bauchi State as it is imperative for continuing progress that peace be maintained within its borders.